Euro 2024

OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.He takes charge of Argentina’s massive group stage against Poland at the World Cup, days after he was in charge of Spain’s 1-1 draw with Germany.
Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PA
The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
What else has he done so far?
Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
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Has he used VAR before?
The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
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ANTONIO MATEU LAHOZ is one of the most highly-respected officials in Europe.And the hugely-experienced Spaniard, 45, takes charge of Iran vs USA in the group stages.
Mateu Lahoz brushing away Man City players’ complaints in the Champions League finalCredit: Reuters
Who is Antonio Mateu Lahoz?
One of the games most eccentric and entertaining refs, Lahoz often rocks up to stadiums wearing rock-star sunglasses and a beaming grin.
Active since 1999, the Spaniard became Fifa-listed in 2011 and took charge of the World Cup 2014 qualifying games.
He’s a regular fixture in La Liga and has been accused in the past of favouring Real Madrid by some fans.
Lahoz has been a referee since 1999Credit: Getty – Contributor
Lahoz is also famous for handing out yellow cards for the slightest of confrontations while ignoring potentially dangerous challenges.
A bizarre showing in Italy’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Sweden saw him blasted on the internet, with one viewer ranting: “The referee in the game is far too bothered about being the centre of attention.”
Giving an insight into his style, Lahoz revealed: “For me, reading what is being said in the media in the lead up to a game is fundamental.
“I want to know how every player comes into the game, if there is pressure, if they have been accused of diving, how many bookings they have. I spend hours reading, watching videos and making notes on my next game.”Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
Mateu Lahoz made his European Championship debut in 2021 by taking charge of Belgium’s 3-0 win over Russia in St Petersburg. More

ANTHONY TAYLOR is back at the World Cup this winter.A familiar face to fans of the Premier League, Taylor takes charge of the group game between South Korea and Ghana in Qatar.
Taylor will be in the middle for Group F clash between Portugal and GermanyCredit: Ryan Browne-The Times
Here is everything you need to know about the referee.Who is Anthony Taylor?
Anthony Taylor is from Wythenshawe, Manchester.
He first started refereeing in the Northern Premier League in 2002.
Taylor refereed his first Premier League game eight years later in February 2010, taking charge of Fulham’s 1-0 win over Portsmourh.
Has he refereed a major tournament before?
Taylor refereed at Euro 2020 and was in charge in the group game between Denmark and Finland where Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch.
He was praised for his calm demeanour during the match – and for acting within seconds to get medicals onto the field.
Taylor refereed the Nations League final in October 2021 between Spain and France.
What was Anthony Taylor’s previous career?
A former prison officer, Taylor doesn’t take any nonsense on the field – and believes he has taken the tough qualities of that job into his refereeing.
He explained: “Working in a prison meant I needed a lot of communication and management qualities to deal with daily situations.
“I spent a considerable number of years working with those who suffered severe mental health problems, a lot of attempted suicides, that kind of thing.
“I’ve seen the depths that people can reach, sometimes through no fault of their own.”
Taylor is heading to his first international tournament this summer but has big game experience having taking charge of the 2020 Super Cup final.
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What happened with Arsene Wenger?
Arsene Wenger was seen shoving Taylor after Burnley were awarded a late penalty at the Emirates in February 2017.
Following the match, Taylor, who was fourth official, accused Wenger of swearing at him and questioning his integrity.
Taylor wrote in his post-match report: “Mr Wenger left his technical area to confront me in disagreement at the decision.
“Before he said anything I said ‘think carefully before you say anything’.
Arsene Wenger and Anthony Taylor have historyCredit: Reuters
“He responded by saying ‘you are dishonest to your federation’.
“I considered this to be questioning both mine and the referee, Jon Moss’s integrity and impartiality.
“I stated to Mr Wenger that such a comment was not acceptable and he told me to ‘f*** off’ on two separate occasions.”
The then-Arsenal boss subsequently received a four-match ban for his behaviour.
World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup
World Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage and is seen as one of the best referees on the planet.He takes charge of Spain’s massive group stage against Germany at the World Cup.
Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PA
The Dutchman, a former policeman, was in charge for England’s Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark.
He was also the ref for Finland’s defeat to Russia in the group stages.Has he officiated at major tournaments before?
A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in the Wembley match-up.
He was first listed as a FIFA referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of seasons under his belt.
Before this tournament, Makkelie was the referee for the 2020 Europa League final between Sevilla and Inter Milan, but this is his first major international tournament in the middle.
What else has he done so far?
Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 180 appearances across nine seasons.
He took charge of five Champions League fixtures in 2019, including the quarter-final first leg when Barcelona beat AS Roma 4-1.
The Dutchman was blasted by the Italians’ boss Eusebio di Francesco for denying them a penalty in that game, but it proved irrelevant as Roma heroically won the second leg 3-0 to progress on away goals.
Makkelie has also been involved in the Europe League, officiating 11 matches from 2012 to 2017.
Most read in sport
Has he used VAR before?
The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.
Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.
He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.
During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored.
World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

REFEREE Daniele Orsato has been called up for the World Cup, to referee some of the world’s biggest games, including the opener.The Italian official will preside over the group match between Argentina and Mexico.
Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced refereesCredit: Getty
Has he officiated at a World Cup or Euros before?
The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020.
Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.
He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010.
What has he done so far?
Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.
Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final between PSG and Bayern Munich before reffing the 2021/22 semi-final second leg between Real Madrid and Chelsea.
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Has he used VAR before?
Orsato reversed a decision in a Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Juventus after using VAR to view the incident. The Italian correctly decided to send off Inter’s Matias Vecino instead of sticking with the yellow card he had already given.
But in the same game he controversially refused to use VAR after failing to give Miralem Pjanic a card for a high tackle on Rafinha, with the Bosnian already on a yellow.
The decision would prove crucial as Juve went on to secure a late 3-2 win.
VAR has been used in Italian’s Serie A since the start of the 2017/18 season. Orsato is a regular official in the league.
He also refereed the controversial Champions League tie between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
Orsato awarded a penalty to United in the 94th minute via VAR after a handball by Presnel Kimpembe and Marcus Rashford scored it to send United through.
Which Euro 2020 games did he referee?
Daniele Orsato made his Euro 2020 bow in England’s 1-0 win over Croatia.
And following that game he refereed Spain vs Poland, awarding a penalty to the Spaniards after a VAR review.
He later officiated Ukraine’s win over Sweden in the last 16 of the tournament.
World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World CupWorld Cup 2022 LIVE: Latest news and updates from Qatar
World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More